MPR News editor-at-large and retired host Gary Eichten has worn many hats during his 40-plus-year career at Minnesota Public Radio, including news director, special events producer and station manager. He has served as host for Minnesota Public Radio's live, special events news coverage, and has hosted all of the major news programs on Minnesota Public Radio, including Midday, which he hosted for more than 20 years.
A graduate of St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota, Eichten began his career at Minnesota Public Radio as a student announcer at KSJR (Minnesota Public Radio's first station). Among the honors Eichten has received during his career is the Corporation for Public Broadcasting award for best local news program. He also assisted in the development of two Peabody award-winning documentaries. In 2007, he was inducted into the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting's Hall of Fame. Eichten has also been awarded the prestigious 2011 Graven Award by the Premack Public Affairs Journalism Awards Board for his contribution to excellence in the journalism profession.
August 26, 1994 - With the murder of a St. Paul officer, Minneapolis Police Sergeant Pat McGowan talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about the dangers of policing and the toll stress can take on an officer.
August 26, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten presents excerpts of Governor Arne Carlson and former Minnesota State Representative Alan Quist's appearances on Midday program. The two are vying as Independent Republican candidates for governor.
August 25, 1994 - Steven Schier, professor of political science at Carleton College, comments on his views of what will come of the health care and crime bills in the U.S. Senate.
August 25, 1994 - Live from the Minnesota State Fair, Midday’s Gary Eichten moderates a debate between the primary DFL gubernatorial candidates Tony Bouza, Mike Hatch, and John Marty. The candidates for governor battle over the topics of crime and ecomony.
August 19, 1994 - Dr. Arthur Caplan, former head of Center for Bioethics at University of Minnesota, is interviewed about his thoughts on how the health care reform has played out in Washington D.C.
August 19, 1994 - Jack Tunheim, Chief Deputy Attorney General of Minnesota, discusses President Clinton’s federal crime bill, known as Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. Topics include increase in police force, stiffer penalties, and assault weapons ban. Tunheim also answered listener questions.
August 17, 1994 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone comments on what was found in U.S. Army documents about spraying in parts of Minnesota in the 1950s. Wellstone worked to get information released.
August 16, 1994 - George Karvel, a professor of Real Estate at St. Cloud University, talks about rising interest rates, home sales, and slowing housing construction in the region.
August 16, 1994 - On this Midday program, Jim Solem discusses his new role as regional administrator at Metropolitan Council. Topics include changes/growth at the Council, transit, and housing. Solem also answers listener questions.
August 15, 1994 - An interview with Tom Triplett, who is leaving local business partnership. Topics of taxes, education, and business are discussed.